Chapter 50: Zhou Hongling’s Sense of Crisis
Zhou Hongling sat in the main seat of the front hall. Though she was quite exhausted, her heart was filled with joy. Lu Yuan was just too capable. Having a subordinate like him... well, nothing more needed to be said.
First of all, her own promotion was no longer in question.
Secondly, she had made a name for herself under the Marquis of Jiuse.
Of the nine cities, her Icefield Pass was the only one to have annihilated the Silver-armed Iron Kite.
Lu Yuan and his men had already received their rewards. Could her own commendation be far behind?
Once she became the Three Cities Garrison General, her official rank would be Junior Fifth Grade. Even within the Zhou Family, she would absolutely be considered a top-tier figure.
Her father, as the State General of Yan Province, held a slightly higher position than some generals from the interior provinces, but he was only a Junior Fourth Grade official.
Moreover, as long as Lu Yuan remained under her command, she would never be short of accomplishments in the future.
After all, for every battle he fought, she, as his superior, would receive a share of the merit.
Now, she had to consider how to retain a talent like Lu Yuan and nurture his growth.
If he truly became a Renowned General one day, the significance for the entire Zhou Family would be completely different.
Her father had drunk a lot today. She planned to discuss it with him first thing tomorrow morning.
Just then, Zhou Xiong walked in.
"Greetings, Lord Captain."
His tower-like frame stood in place, his armor emanating a dark luster, giving him a rather imposing presence.
As his voice faded,
Zhou Hongling took a sip of the sobering soup a maid had brought her and said, "Is something the matter? You’re here so late."
"My lady, Zhou He reported that while he was drinking with Lu Yuan at the Spring Breeze Building today, people from the Helian family came to recruit him. They offered a high price: a Profound Tendon Fruit, command of an elite unit from Huangsha Fortress, and a promise from the Helian family to make Lu Yuan a Thousand Men Commander within a year."
The moment he finished speaking, half of Zhou Hongling’s tipsiness vanished.
She silently cursed the Helian family and realized she had been careless, allowing them to exploit an opening.
She couldn’t help but feel incredibly vexed.
But as she drank her tea, she subtly concealed the expression on her face.
Then she said softly, "Oh? Is that so? And what was Lu Yuan’s response?"
As she asked this, Zhou Hongling’s heart tightened, but her voice remained light and casual.
"Lu Yuan refused decisively and returned all the gifts the Helian family had given him," Zhou Xiong reported truthfully.
Zhou Hongling breathed a sigh of relief, and her admiration for Lu Yuan grew even stronger.
’Everyone likes a subordinate who is both capable and loyal.’
’To be honest, with Lu Yuan’s current achievements, he already has the power to choose his own path.’
’Even the Zhou Family can no longer hide his brilliance.’
After a moment of contemplation, Zhou Hongling said, "I understand. Zhou He did well. His cultivation is at the Bone Forging Realm now, isn’t it? When you go back, see that he’s rewarded with something. The expense will come from my private funds."
"Yes, my lady," Zhou Xiong said quickly. He inwardly marveled at how his nephew was a classic case of a fool’s good fortune. ’If he sticks with Lu Yuan, there’ll be no shortage of benefits for him in the future.’
Then, as if she had just thought of something, Zhou Hongling continued, "The Spring Breeze Building? If I recall correctly, that’s a brothel in the city, isn’t it? Tell Zhou He that Lu Yuan is still young and needs to focus on his cultivation. He’s not to be taking him to mess around.
"If I find out he’s taken Lu Yuan to that kind of place again, don’t blame me for being severe."
Her voice turned stern as she finished.
After receiving his orders, Zhou Xiong quickly said, "As you command. I’ll deal with him as soon as I get back."
He couldn’t help but wonder, though, ’How did the Captain know it was Zhou He who took him, and not that Lu Yuan wanted to go himself?’
But he didn’t dare to dwell on it and quickly withdrew.
Zhou Hongling was completely sober now. She decided she couldn’t wait any longer. Tomorrow, she had to show Lu Yuan the Zhou Family’s intentions. Otherwise, who knew who else might try to poach him.
Though she trusted Lu Yuan, this was something the Zhou Family had to prepare for in advance.
With this in mind, after a moment’s thought, she headed for Zhou Ren’s courtyard.
Her own resources were limited; only her father could offer something truly valuable.
...
Meanwhile, Lu Yuan was unaware of any of this. He was fast asleep.
The night passed without incident. The next day, he rose early, ate breakfast, and cultivated until morning.
The courtyard gate was pushed open, and Zhou He swaggered in.
His face was beaming. Just an hour earlier, Zhou Xiong had found him and given him several vials of Bone Forging Pills, saying they were a reward from the Lord Captain.
He had also told him to notify Lu Yuan to make a trip to the Captain’s Mansion.
As far as he was concerned now, Lu Yuan was his personal meal ticket.
"What are you doing here at this hour?" Lu Yuan stopped his cultivation as he saw him enter, picking up a nearby towel to wipe himself down.
"Tsk tsk, my lord, even I’m a fan of this physique. I wonder which lucky lady will end up with you. She’ll be in for a real treat," Zhou He said cheekily, propping up his chin.
Nowadays, he was about the only one who dared to joke around with Lu Yuan like this.
"Spit it out. If you’ve got nothing important to say, I’m going back to my training," Lu Yuan said, glancing at Zhou He with a sharp tone.
"Hey, don’t be mad. I’m here with good news. The Lord Captain wants to see you. I bet you’re getting another reward. You really made a big splash this time," Zhou He said, leaning in closer.
Lu Yuan’s expression turned serious. He threw on his clothes and said, "Then I’ll head over right now."
He fastened his clothes and prepared to leave.
Zhou He trotted along eagerly behind him. Although he couldn’t enter the Captain’s Mansion, he wanted to know what benefits Lu Yuan would receive.
After all, he felt it would be completely unreasonable if the family didn’t offer something substantial.
When he arrived outside the Captain’s Mansion, Lu Yuan walked straight in. The guards had told him that Zhou Hongling had given orders: from now on, Lu Yuan was not to be announced and could enter directly.
When he entered the study, Zhou Hongling was reading a book.
Today, she wore a red silk dress underneath a form-fitting black Soft Armor. She had seen the Marquis off early in the morning, so she was dressed more formally.
However, it only made her appear all the more valiant and heroic, especially with her curvaceous figure that even the armor couldn’t conceal.
Seeing Lu Yuan enter, Zhou Hongling smiled, put down the scroll in her hands, and said, "Have a seat. The other lords have all left today, so it’s just us. I’ll treat you to lunch."
This morning, Hong City had publicly announced his intention to appoint her as the Three Cities Garrison General. Her post would remain in Icefield City, where she would establish a new headquarters. The official appointment letter was expected to arrive in the next few days.
Therefore, she was in high spirits.
As her gaze shifted to Lu Yuan, the admiration in her eyes was impossible to hide.
"Yes, my lady."
Lu Yuan was no longer as reserved as before and immediately took a seat.
Then, Zhou Hongling said, "The rewards from the imperial court and the Marquis for your expedition have already been issued. Next, let’s talk about my plans for you."
In the next moment, Lu Yuan’s expression became solemn. He too was curious about how the Zhou Family planned to arrange his future.